With the new trailer for ‘Lanterns’, fans are wondering if Hal Jordan has reached the end of his road, and it feels brand-new. It’s a crazy idea on paper. After all, Hal Jordan is one of the most iconic heroes from DC and arguably the most recognizable Green Lantern ever created.
The more footage DC shows of the upcoming HBO Max series, the harder it gets not to think that this story might be about John Stewart replacing Hal. The latest trailer only fuels the flames even more.
Hal Jordan’s Darkest DCU Theory Gets More Convincing After New ‘Lanterns’ Trailer
Hal Jordan has a tense scene with John Stewart in the trailer. As the fight ensues, Hal tells him outright, “The only way you’re going to get this ring is over my dead body.” At first, it’s just the typical pride of a veteran-hero. Hal clearly doesn’t appear to be very happy about coaching someone who might take his place.
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The line has frustration, ego, and perhaps fear in it. However, for longtime DC fans, the statement has a different meaning. According to Green Lantern mythology, when a Lantern dies or is no longer able to use the ring, it searches for a new one. That means that Hal’s talking points might not only be trash talk, but foreshadowing as well.
DC is aware that audiences will know the symbolism of the ring, and this makes the line feel very deliberate. What is more suspicious is that ‘Lanterns’ seems to be all about legacy. Almost all the scenes that have been displayed so far portray Hal as an aging protector who is having trouble with his role and John as the next generation of heroes in the DCU.
Why Fans Think John Stewart Is DC’s Real Long-Term Plan
The largest hint might not even be in the trailer itself. Earlier reports about Chandler’s casting said his contract was only for ‘Lanterns’ and not future DCU films. Meanwhile, John Stewart is already confirmed to return in ‘Man of Tomorrow’, where he might become the franchise’s long-term Green Lantern moving forward.
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Of course, Hal doesn’t have to die, but that’s what it feels like. DC could just have him retire, go into space, or leave frontline duty after mentoring John. Still, superhero franchises don’t tell replacement stories like this unless they are gearing up for a significant change.
And, emotionally, it would certainly make ‘Lanterns’ stand out. The series is not another simple superhero origin story, but instead might be a more reflective one, about growing old, legacy, and accepting when the time of Earth’s protector is coming to an end. However, if DC sticks the landing, Hal Jordan’s possible exit might end up becoming one of the DCU’s boldest early creative decisions.
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